Get Set for the 2026 World Cup! Recent U.S. Visa Changes and What They Really Mean for Ghanaian Fans

Published: 21st Jan 2026 By Eva Gists 3min read

As excitement builds for the 2026 FIFA World Cup (June 11–July 19, co-hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico), the U.S. has rolled out new immigration policies that have sparked confusion,especially around visa access for Ghanaians cheering on the Black Stars. Here's a clear breakdown of the facts as of today (January 21, 2026), separating hype from reality.

Immigrant Visa Pause (Not a Full Ban)
Ghana's Status: Directly Affected
Who Might Be Exempted?
A Crucial Distinction: Non-Immigrant Visas Unchanged
Recommended Steps for Applicants

Immigrant Visa Pause (Not a Full Ban)

On January 21, 2026, a significant U.S. immigration policy change took effect. The Department of State implemented an indefinite pause on issuing immigrant visas, commonly known as green cards, for nationals of 75 specified countries. Announced a week prior, this "freeze" is designed to allow for a review of procedures to ensure new immigrants are financially self-sufficient and do not rely on U.S. public benefits, a status referred to as becoming a "public charge." During this pause, applicants can still file paperwork and attend interviews, but no final approvals for permanent residency will be granted.

This pause does NOT impact short-term or temporary travel,it's strictly for long-term residency.

Ghana's Status: Directly Affected

Contrary to some rumors and online discussions, Ghana is confirmed to be on the list of 75 affected countries. Official U.S. government sources and multiple independent reports explicitly include Ghana, with no mention of an exemption. Claims of "successful negotiations" leading to Ghana's exclusion are inaccurate and likely refer to separate, older discussions about different visa policies. For Ghanaians seeking to live permanently in the United States, this means their applications are now on hold indefinitely.

Who Might Be Exempted?

The policy outlines one clear exception: dual nationals. If an applicant holds a passport from a country not on the 75-country list, they may use that passport for their application and would not be subject to the pause. Beyond this, there are no special exemptions or waivers mentioned in the official policy for any country on the list, including Ghana.

A Crucial Distinction: Non-Immigrant Visas Unchanged

hIt is vital to understand that this halt applies only to immigrant visas for permanent residency. It does not affect non-immigrant visas. Temporary visas for tourism, business, study, or special events,such as the B1/B2 visa for attending the 2026 FIFA World Cup,continue to be processed normally. For Ghanaian fans planning to cheer on the Black Stars, the application process remains fully open and unchanged.

Recommended Steps for Applicants

If you are a Ghanaian national affected by this pause, you should stay informed through official channels. For the latest and most accurate information, regularly check the U.S. Embassy Accra website and the U.S. Department of State's travel website. Those applying for non-immigrant visas should proceed as usual, using the embassy's official portal to schedule appointments, which are being actively processed without interruption.